Depression Treatment

If the floor had swallowed me up as I walked to the kitchen to fix breakfast…

… I would never have known it. My thoughts were deep and dark, black images crossing a gray landscape rutted in gullies with jagged edges no one could cross.

Yet, I continued to make my way. Feeling hopeless and lost, I kept going on an instinct of determination and courage. I kept going, not knowing or caring what was on the other side – only that what was before me had to be crossed. Feared that I had used my last bit of courage just to make my breakfast.

I know I have to do something about my depression.

Signs of depression can be subtle to very brazen. The subtle signs could be increased irritability and crankiness. It can be food does not look the same or taste the same and appetite changes. Food can become a source of comfort from the depression.

Other signs of the need for Depression Treatment:

• Feeling sad, hopeless or worried.

This sense of sadness can be overwhelming and feel like its walls are closing. It can feel as though it is all just too big to move or carry.

• Not enjoying things that used to give you joy.

Simple things like reading a book taking a walk, spending time with friends, or going to the movies are just not interesting. Not fun seems petty.

• Being easily irritated or frustrated.

It is just that sense that something is wrong. Not always sure what it is but when someone says something or the little things go wrong spilling coffee, a comment at work, or from a friend suddenly there is a big feeling of anger that burst out.

• Changes in how much you sleep.

Now I am sleeping all the time, or I am not sleeping no matter what. Other times I can fall asleep, but I cannot stay sleeping, and then sometimes, if I can get to sleep before the alarm goes off, it is an accomplishment.

• Having a difficult time concentrating or remembering things.

I put something down, and then I look forward all over again. People ask me a question, and I often have them repeat it because I do not remember.

• Experiencing an increase in physical problems, more headaches, body aches, or just feeling run down and lack of energy
• Problems with intimacy and or lack of interest in sexual activity
• Increase in Thoughts of death or dying or self-harm.

Signs of depression can be subtle to very brazen.

The subtle signs could be increased irritability and crankiness. It can be food does not look the same or tastes the same and appetite changes. Food can become a source of comfort from the depression.

Decisions are too hard to make and too confusing. Fun is a thing of the past, and sleep or staring at the wall seems to be the best thing to do. The days, the nights, the weeks blend into one or nothing. They also seem to take forever. A truly depressed person cannot see beyond the landscape before them. There is no tomorrow distinct from today, depression can be debilitating, but there is hope. Lost, overwhelmed, and ready to give in to the colorless gray world. Hold your horses – maybe quite literally! Depression does not have to be the color of the day. Many clients who come to see me are able to find new colors and different colors that bring passion and fun back to their life.

You are good enough and deserve the things you want.

Together, we will learn mindfulness, cognitive flexibility, humor, maybe even some parts or just good ole fashion play, to help you make the changes you want.  We can also do some animal-assisted activities with horses or dogs. This can be really fun when you get to be outside, see and feel and do things you have not done before. Here are some examples of how this can be helpful and rewarding:

• Creating a metaphor for your problem and finding a way over-under or through
• Sitting with an animal who is not requiring anything of you
• Moving a horse with just the touch of your hand
• Being able to enjoy a moment without any pressure

It can be so fun to see a problem from a different perspective and find a different solution. The work can sometimes seem risky, vulnerable, and hard; you may have to face difficult situations head-on to feel the reward, but I will be right there with you every step. Together, we will find a different way, your way.

This world doesn’t have to be gray and colorless…

There are many colors in the world. All that’s needed is a little bit of light to shine on them. Therapy can be that light, bringing color back to your world and making it shine again. 

Ready to take the next step? Call me today, and let’s schedule your free 15-minute consultation to discuss your options: (804) 372-5499.

Want to begin Depression Treatment in Richmond, VA?

Your childhood was crap. With therapy at Gray Horse Counseling, your future doesn’t have to be. I work with adults who have dysfunctional families (family life). When you were a kid, your family life sucked. So, you’ve adapted to behave at home and out in public very differently. This “split” that worked so well for you as a child is no longer working. How do you live a more congruent life? How do you deal with that internal conflict?

You want to be more authentic in your connections, but this internalized trauma response keeps holding you back. I get it. Your childhood was crap and you didn’t get a chance to truly figure out who you are. It wasn’t safe to be YOU anywhere. Now, this is affecting your relationships, friendships, work relationships, family life, children, how you feel about yourself, all of it.

Back then, you didn’t get to tell anyone. As an online therapist in Virginia, I get to be that person for you. Maybe how you ended up coping with this childhood trauma led to an anxiety disorder, and unmanageable addiction. Let me be clear, there is no right or wrong way to cope. But, these coping skills are no longer serving you the same way they used to. So, let’s figure it out. Consider online therapy in Virginia, individual or group therapy, or meet me for equine-assisted therapy in Powhatan, VA, Let’s get this stuff figured out so you can finally live a better life. Today is the day. What are you waiting for? Contact me now.